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| v3 - LEED 2008

Irrigation system in mid-rise buildings

MWEc2 |
Possible 2 points

Intent

Minimize outdoor demand for water through water-efficient irrigation.

Requirements

Prerequisites

None.

Credits

Note: Points shown below are for irrigation systems installed throughout the designed landscape. If only 50% of the designed landscape includes these measures, then only 50% of the points are available. Even if part of the yard is not landscaped, the irrigation system must be stubbed to that part of the yard, as appropriate.

2.1 High-efficiency irrigation system for mid-rise (0.5 point each, maximum 2 points). Design and install a high-efficiency irrigation system (based on overall landscaping plans, including measures adopted in SS 2) such that any of the following are met:

Install an irrigation system designed by an EPA Water Sense certified professional.

Design and install an irrigation system with head-to-head coverage.

Install a central shut-off valve.

Install a submeter for the irrigation system.

Use drip irrigation for at least 50% of landscape planting beds to minimize evaporation.

Create separate zones for each type of bedding area based on watering needs.

Install a timer or controller that activates the valves for each watering zone at the best time of day to minimize evaporative losses while maintaining healthy plants and obeying local regulations and water use guidance.

Utilize high-efficiency nozzles with an average distribution uniformity (DU) of at least 0.70. This may include conventional rotors, multistream rotors, or high-efficiency spray heads, but the DU must be verified by manufacturer documentation or third-party tests. A point source (drip) irrigation system should be counted as having a DU of 0.80.

Install check valves in heads.

Install a moisture sensor controller or rain delay controller. For example, “smart" evapotranspiration controllers receive radio, pager, or Internet signals to direct the irrigation system to replace only the moisture that the landscape has lost because of heat, wind, etc.

Perform a third-party inspection of the irrigation system in operation, including observation of all of the following:

All spray heads are operating and delivering water only to intended zones.

Any switches or shut-off valves are working properly.

Any timers or controllers are set properly.

Any irrigation systems are located at least 2 feet from the building

Irrigation spray does not hit the building.

OR

2.2 Reduce overall irrigation demand by at least 45% for mid-rise (maximum 2 points, as specified in Table 12). Design the landscape and irrigation system to reduce the overall irrigation water demand water budget. The estimates must be calculated and prepared by a landscape professional, biologist, or other qualified professional using the method outlined below.

Note: A project must earn full points in SS 2.5 before receiving points for this credit.

Table 12. Reduction in Water Demand

Reduction in esetimated irrigation water usage

WE 2.2 points

SS 2.5 points

Total points

45-49%

0.5

3

3.5

50-54%

1

3

4

55-59%

1.5

3

4.5

60% or more

2

3

5

Method for Calculating Reduction in Irrigation Demand

Step 1.

Calculate the baseline irrigation water usage:
Baseline Usage = Landscaped Area * ET0 * 0.62
where ET0 = Baseline Evapotranspiration Rate (available from local and state Departments of Agriculture)

Step 2.

where ETL = ET0 * KL and KL = KS * KMC . Refer to Tables 13 and 14 for values for KS and KMC, and to Table 15 for values for IE. For CF, use estimated value based on manufacturer’s specifications for percentage water savings.

Sample forms

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